Skin care during breast radiotherapy
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common form of malignancy and accounts for 12% of all cancers. More than half of breast cancer patients will receive radiation therapy as part of their prescribed treatment. Approximately 95% of patients receiving radiation therapy will develop acute skin reactions at the site of treatment. Skin care protocols are compiled by radiation therapy departments to prevent and manage acute and chronic skin reactions. However skin care protocols vary between treatment centers and radiotherapists leading to confusion and anxiety among patients. The aim of this study was to survey the different skin care protocols for patients undergoing breast radiotherapy implemented by radiotherapy departments in the Gauteng region in order to suggest a standardized skin care protocol based on available literature.
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